News Release

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Police Seeking Public's Help in Solving the Murder of a 34-year-old Man

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking for the public’s help to find the person(s) responsible for the shooting death of Jose Villela, 34.

On Monday, August 18, 2008 at about 5:40 p.m., LAPD officers went to Plata and Coronado Streets for an “ambulance assault with a deadly weapon” investigation. Officers found Villela on the ground unconscious with a gunshot wound to his chest. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics went to the scene and pronounced him dead.

Villela had just exited a car when two suspects pulled up to the intersection in a possible tan 2002 or 2003 Chevy Suburban. One suspect, the passenger, got out of the vehicle, confronted Villela and pulled out a handgun. The suspect shot the victim and left the scene in the vehicle, which drove off westbound from Coronado Street.

Investigators believe the shooting is gang related.

The first suspect is described as a male Hispanic with short hair, 17 to 18 years of age. The driver of the vehicle is described as a female. The weapon is outstanding.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rampart Homicide Detectives Julian Pere or Ysais Valdez at 213-484-3050. After hours and on weekends calls may be directed to the 24-hour toll free number, 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).